Nine county wrestlers advance

Monday

Feb 11, 2013 at 10:00 AM

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netQUINCY — Carter Ballinger added another accomplishment to his memorable season.The Jonesville junior claimed the county's lone district championship Saturday, while eight other wrestlers qualified for regionals at the Division 4 individual district tournament at Quincy High School.The top four placers in each weight class advanced to the individual regional tournament, which will be held next Saturday at Hudson.While Ballinger was the lone champion, Jonesville and four other regional qualifiers. Hillsdale had three qualifiers, while Jarret Wolford was the lone Reading wrestler to advance.Ballinger went undefeated on the day to win the 125-pound district title. He pinned each of his opponents leading up to the finals, where he clinched the title with a 17-2 technical fall victory over Hudson's Mason Lopinski.Ballinger is currently ranked No. 2 in Division 4 at 125 pounds and moved his overall season record to 37-1."He wrestled outstanding," Jonesville coach Mickey Rowe said. "He was much better than every kid there. Some kids have a tendency to wrestle down to their competition, but I tell him you have to look good against lesser competition."Jonesville had four others place fourth. Michael Iler qualified for regionals at 103 pounds, while Joseph Rodrigeuz qualified at 145 pounds. Jonathan Rodrigeuz (189) and William Corbin (285) also advanced to regionals.Hillsdale had one second place wrestler and two others place third. Joe Munger led the way for the Hornets, placing second at 215 pounds to qualify for regionals. Kevin Curby (160) and Nate Boardman (285) both placed third for the Hornets."We're going to work hard this week to make sure we have all three be state qualifiers," Hillsdale coach Jerry Curby said.Wolford turned in another strong performance in the district tournament. The Reading senior captain placed second in the 160-pound weight class to clinch his regional spot. Wolford won his first three matches before falling to Springport's Jacob Cooper in the finals.Reigning four-time team state champion Hudson had 11 regional qualifiers, including seven district champions. Addison had a district-best 12 regional qualifiers, while Quincy had five wrestlers advance to next weekend.The regional qualifiers from the Quincy district will be joined by those from the Blissfield district in the individual regional tournament Saturday morning. The top four wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the individual state tournament, held Feb. 28 through March 2 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.